Romano provides fresh update on Chelsea target Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Ittihad; meetings planned

Chelsea target Karim Benzema and Al-Ittihad continue to remain at loggerheads

Fabrizio Romano has provided another updates on the situation between Karim Benzema and Al-Ittihad and says the relationship between the player and the club remains intense.

However, the striker and the club will hold meetings to reach an amicable decision. The Saudi Pro League bosses want the former Real Madrid striker to remain at the club even if he joins another club.

The Frenchman has been linked with a few European clubs, such as Manchester United and Chelsea. The Blues seem heavily interested in signing the forward as a short-term fix to their attacking woes.

The Blues feel signing an experienced striker will be a great addition to their young roster. Not only can Benzema address our goalscoring concerns but also aid the young strikers like Nicolas Jackson to develop their talent.

However, given his massive salary at the Saudi club, Chelsea will have to modify their contract. This is because the 36-year-old earns £3.31 million per week while Chelsea’s highest earner is Raheem Sterling, makes a relatively measly £325,000 per week.

So you can see a massive difference in both salaries, and it’s unlikely that the Blues will hand the striker that much wages because it will certainly affect their wage bill. Given out run-ins with FFP, it is debatable if we can splash the cash to make the problem go away.

It will depend hugely on the striker to either cut his salary or remain at the Saudi club. Money is one thing, but if you are not happy with what you are doing, then it becomes less important to you.

And it appears that Benzema is experiencing this. We will love having him on board since he has a winning mentality and excellent goal-scoring willingness in front of goal.

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Additionally, wee don’t know if Al-Ittihad will approve of a loan agreement and be prepared to pay half of his income. Since it’s not a simple undertaking, let’s wait and watch what transpires as the January window draws to a close.